Dear Brothers and Sister,
This week we celebrate the Memorial of Our Guardian Angels, a real reminder that we have angelic hands that support, encourage, and minster to us as we journey through our life. These are beautiful gifts from God. One of the main roles of angels is to protect the integrity of faith and to encourage its growth in our lives. How blest we truly are to be loved by God in this protective way.
As a parish community, we have many angels that offer much support, encouragement, and provide ministry to our local parish community. This week I present to you the financial report that was submitted and accepted by the Diocese for the financial year 2020-21. In a very challenging time, as you can see, we have many beautiful angels that financially support St. Clement Parish. This support, offered in a variety of ways, gives our parish the resources to persevere in the mission of the Gospel. I would like to highlight a few.
This past financial year we received some large bequests. Each year we are the beneficiaries of the generosity of current and former parishioners who kindly remember St. Clement Parish in their estate settlements. Please consider making a remembrance to St. Clement Parish as part of your estate planning.
Throughout the pandemic, we were not able to have our annual fundraisers. This financial year we participated in the We Give Catholic day of giving. This was the first time we promoted it and boy did the angels of the parish support this primarily online giving event! Although we hope to host our beloved fundraisers again in the future, this coming Giving Tuesday on November 30, we will participate again. The funds raised will go toward new landscaping along the Madison and Lincoln sides of the church. We hope to have similar success.
Lastly, you’ll notice that our overall expenses are lower. Without the school building or any large maintenance projects, we saved funds for the year ahead. In April of next year we will begin our 100th anniversary, an exciting time for our parish! Many events are being planned to celebrate our diamond anniversary.
In gratitude, let us all be grateful for the many angels that support, encourage, and minister at St. Clement Parish. Each person’s financial support helps us sustain a lively and active parish community. May our Guardian Angels continue to provide for and protect us.
Christ’s peace!
Fr. Workman